ANIMAL FACTS - Kangaroos

Kangaroos are the largest marsupial surviving on earth today. They are well known for their style of movement; hopping on their hind legs whilst using their large, muscular tail for balance. Kangaroos use their tail like an extra leg when they are manoeuvring around, or standing still. Kangaroos are one of the only animals that are not able to move backwards easily, and this is why they are used on the Australian national emblem.

Kangaroos graze on plant matter such as grass, heath plants and young shoots and are well adapted for arid environments obtaining most of the water they require from the food they eat. Kangaroos have good eyesight and excellent hearing and they use their large ears to pick up even the slightest sounds. Kangaroos live in social groups, called "mobs".